I am so excited to announce that House of Wend has been nominated for its first blogging award…a Liebster! Not sure what the Liebster Award is? I wasn’t either until I was nominated for one twice last week by fellow bloggers Allie Maelynn and the Savvy Fashion Girl.

 

WHAT IS IT

The Liebster Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers as a fun way to recognize fellow creatives, provide exposure to smaller sites, increase engagement and get to know the person behind the blog. Much like a chain letter, bloggers nominated for the Liebster Award are expected to pay it forward by nominating other bloggers that they admire.

 

 

THE RULES

1. Thank each blogger who nominates you and include a link to their site in your post

2. Include the Liebster Award logo in your post

3. Answer each question provided by the blogger who nominates you

4. Nominate 11 fellow bloggers who inspire you

5. Provide 11 questions to your nominees

6. Notify your nominees that you’ve selected them for the award so that they can continue the chain!

 

 

MY ANSWERS

Since I was nominated by two different bloggers (which is amazing, thank you so much girls), I decided to pick some questions from both rather than answering all 22!

 

1. Why did you first start blogging?

I have had a passion for travel since I took my first trip abroad with my dad to London and Paris when I was 12. I’ve traveled a ton since then and learned a lot along the way, so it was sort of just a natural progression to start cataloging my experiences not only for my own memories, but to hopefully inspire others to get out there and see the world!

 

2. How did you come up with the name for your blog?

I was brainstorming for a title for a couple of days and everything was either taken or lame. I eventually googled “words associated with travel” and when my finger landed on wend, I literally gasped with joy. It’s a verb meaning to direct one’s course, to proceed on one’s path. To me, it represents taking the road less traveled and forging your own way, which perfectly embodies my approach both to travel and to life. That’s how House of Wend was born!

 

 

3. What three words best describe your blog?
Colorful, fun & thoughtful!

 

4. What is your favorite form of social media?

I have a presence on all – Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram – as very good blogger should, but my preferred platform is definitely Instagram. I love that it’s visual and allows for so much creativity. I actually wasn’t on Instagram until I started my blog, which is kind of crazy, so I’ve basically had to build a following from scratch, but I’ve learned a lot along the way and really enjoy it. I’m not a fan of that new algorithm though!

 

5. What do you do when you’re not blogging ?

When I’m not blogging, I’m either traveling and soaking up content for the blog or working in New York as an attorney so that I can fund my travels! I’m lucky that I’m able to work on a contract basis. It gives me incredible control over my schedule and the flexibility to travel as much as I do!

 

 

6. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?

Bali! I got the chance to visit Indonesia several years ago with a few other Colts Cheerleader alumni to perform at an international basketball tournament. After our performances in Jakarta, we were invited to Bali to relax for the remainder of the trip. I was in law school at the time so I had to skip Bali. Since then, I’ve been desperate to visit! I still regret passing up the opportunity to actually get paid to vacation in Bali, but I guess getting my law degree was important too!

 

7. What is your go-to way to relax and de-stress?

It’s a little crazy, but I enjoy watching political news! So much happens every day and I find comfort in staying informed. I’ve even listened to the news while lounging on the beach, which is my other favorite de-stresser!

 

8. What is your favorite thing to do on weekends?

I’m sure you can probably guess, but my favorite thing to do on weekends, or anytime, is of course TRAVEL! Even if it’s just a quick getaway!

When I’m not on the road, I love indulging in boozy brunches on weekends! Whether we go out to eat or I whip up my specialty – lemon & blueberry ricotta pancakes – just add a mimosa and I’m one happy girl!

During the summertime, weekends are for boating at Racoon Lake! My Russian and I got a lake house a couple years ago and I try to spend as many weekends as possible on the water during the summer months.

 

 

9. What is your favorite inspirational quote?

This is a tough one because there are so many good ones! One that I find so beautiful and perfectly captures the power and importance of travel and why I love it so much comes from the great Maya Angelou: Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.

 

 10. What is the last book you read?

I actually listen to a lot of audio books. I enjoy listening while I’m on the subway commuting to work or on a plane. The one that inspired me most recently was Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. Gilbert lays out a road map for living your most creative life. I loved it so much, I wrote a post about it!

 

11. What are your blogging goals for 2018?

I want to focus more of my attention on Pinterest. I love creating pins, I’m just not always good about sharing them! I’ve heard it’s an excellent way to increase engagement so I want to be more consistent with the platform.

I also want to get around to editing all my video footage and building a presence on YouTube. I have a lot of fun editing short videos for Instagram stories, but it’s time to tackle some longer ones!

 

 

MY NOMINEES

1. Stephanie of Krusing Through The Khaos

2. Julia of Explores More

3. Martina of Drea & Co. (Technically she’s a photographer and interior designer, BUT she also runs a blog AND an awesome YouTube channel!)

4. Emily of Fondly, Emily

5. Kristen of The Social Vixen

6. Noëlle of My Mexico Diary

7. Ashley of Reasyume

8. Roos of Travel Mexico

9. Paula of La Vie En Marine

10. Amber of The Wild Places

11. James O. (His sight is coming soon, but in the meantime you can check out his colorful, adventure filled Insta-feed here!)

 

 

MY QUESTIONS

1. How would you describe your blogging niche?

2. What is your favorite aspect about blogging?

3. What piece of advice would you share with other bloggers?

4. How do you spend your time when you’re not blogging?

5. What is the most memorable moment you’ve had while traveling?

6. What destination is at the top of your bucket list?

7. What is the one item you cannot live without when you’re traveling?

8. What is your favorite creative outlet?

9. What is one skill you’d like to improve upon this year?

10. What is the last series you binge watched?

11. If you could meet your favorite blogger/influencer, what is the one question you would ask them?

 

Were you nominated for a Liebster Award this year? If so, share a link to your post here for the chance to win a grand prize at the end of the year!

 

PIN IT!